West Hill Primary Academy

We celebrate the past; we care about the future

PREVENT

The Single Point Of Contact (SPOC) for West Hill Primary School is Marla England – please contact her through the School Office, if you have any concerns both in and outside of school in relation to extremist activity.

The Prevent strategy is Government published guidance for authorities, including schools, on their responsibilities under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act, which came into effect on 1 July 2015. Under the Act, schools and other authorities have a duty to “have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.

It:

responds to the ideological challenge we face from terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote these views

provides practical help to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support

works with a wide range of sectors (including education, criminal justice, faith, charities, online and health)

PREVENT STRATEGY IN SCHOOLS

From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from other dangers. Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.

PREVENT IN PRACTICE

Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.

Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy.

We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils. Different schools will carry out the Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of the community.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does Prevent relate to Fundamental British values?

Schools have been required to promote Fundamental British values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy.

British values include:

Democracy

The rule of law

Individual liberty and mutual respect

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Is my child too young to learn about extremism?

The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect.

The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.

Is extremism really a risk in Kent?

Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others.

We will give children the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.

KEY TERMS

Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Ideology – a set of beliefs.

Terrorism – a violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause.

Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent strategy and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.